When the shocks on your bike are leaking fluid and gas like a 50 year old and they bottom out over every twig, it is time to make a very hard decision.
Do I,
a) Do nothing,
b) Have the old pair rebuilt,
c) Buy another 30 year old pair from the States that look just like the ones on your bike now or
d) Order new ones.
When riding on a purpose built motocross track the whole bike is working pretty hard, but let me single out the rear shocks as not only working hard but working for you.
The shocks make the ride comfortable, give ground clearance, affect steering, affect braking and if presented well make the bike look sensational.
Lets take a), doing nothings is how we got to this position, so unfortunately some thing has to be done.
b) I have rebuilt a pair of Works Performance shocks last year and by the time you purchase the seal kit, have some one charge them with gas, replace the preload adjuster to a screw type and buy new springs it is cheaper to buy a new pair. The springs alone cost around $300.00.
c) Why bother you will still have to have them rebuilt anyway in a year or two.
Which brings us to d). Ordering new ones.
Brand is important Ohlins, Works, YSS.............
Some are expensive and some are affordable.
Some have a better name.
Most manufacturers will set up the shocks the way you want but only a few will do it for the cost of the shock.
I have just ordered a pair from YSS ( Walter or Wasp ).
I, like most riders, kinda know what I wanted, but have no idea what makes them tick.
I supplied all the pieces to the puzzle that I wanted and required and left it in the hands of a man that works on shocks every day of the week and I am sure glad I did.
Ji
